A BRITISH town only realised it was twinned with a South Australian city when two residents travelled 10,000 miles to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “union”.

Helston, Cornwall twinned with Australian city Port Augusta[TIM GRAHAM/ ALAMY]

Officials in Helston, Cornwall, were baffled when Jon and Pat Phillips arrived bearing leaflets, photos and other gifts from Port Augusta.

The pair explained they were on a trip to the UK and wanted to mark their city’s proud allegiance to their Cornish counterparts.

The news sent town clerks scouring through history books and artefacts and found they were twinned in 1965.

The medallion is something that has a lot of history to it. I’m keen to find out more

Mayor Mike Thomas

It apparently started when Lin Riches, the ex-mayor of Port Augusta, visited the Cornish resort in 1964 to see its famous Flora dance. A year later Helston councillor Arthur Evely Lee and his wife went to Australia as guests of Mr Riches to see the city’s poinsettia festival.

Helston’s current mayor Mike Thomas also found details about the twinning on the back of a ceremonial medal made by Mr Lee, a jeweller.

Mr Thomas gave gifts on behalf of Helston to Jon and Pat, including a scarf and tie, and will link up with the mayor of Port Augusta on the official 50th anniversary next year.

“The medallion is something that has a lot of history to it. I’m keen to find out more,” he said.